A Quiet Day, A Warm Welcome

Daily miles: 34.53 | Total miles: 7135.75

My alarm rang at 6:15am, and I eased into the morning with the usual rhythm — coffee, preparation, and the quiet anticipation of another long day ahead. By 7:30am, I was on the road, leaving Euroa behind with around 34 miles ahead of me. As I passed through town, I crossed paths with a father and son who were out for a run. I mentioned to them that I’m running around the world — I’m not sure they believed me, but I smiled and ran on.

A few miles later, I was back on the highway. It’s Sunday, which means less truck traffic, and I appreciated the calm. The shoulder was wide, the weather kind, and the terrain familiar. There were a few gentle inclines along the way, but overall it felt smooth and steady. I really enjoyed today’s run — quiet, uninterrupted time to reflect, process, think. There's something deeply fluid about being in motion and letting the mind wander. I love that — when the rhythm of your steps settles into the rhythm of your thoughts.

Running often invites a kind of meditative state. Today felt like that — a run in solitude, without distractions, just me, the road, and whatever thoughts drifted in.

When I finally exited the highway, my first welcome came from a horse — we had a little chat. A few moments later, I reached the Seymour welcome sign, where a group of what I think might have been mules (very attentive ones!) watched me with great curiosity. I stopped to introduce myself. I love how animals listen — so still, so present.

I kept going and arrived at the grocery store, slightly fatigued, breathing somewhat heavily :). I parked the buggy and sat on a bench to catch my breath. The woman behind the counter greeted me warmly — a simple gesture, but it meant so much. Then a young man walked by and, with genuine enthusiasm, told me how much he admired what I’m doing. That really lifted me. There’s something about being seen, even for a moment, that just makes the world feel lighter.

After some food shopping (the usual routine), Janet — the woman from the checkout — came over and we had a brief but meaningful chat. She was wearing pink for “Share the Dignity,” a fantastic women’s charity here in Australia. Thank you, Janet. People in hats always seem to brighten my day.

From there, it was a final push to the hotel, which I had booked the night before. Dimitria greeted me so warmly at the front desk, and now the room is warm too — a quiet, comforting space to end the day.

Today was a lonely run, but I felt welcomed by every encounter. The warmth of Seymour balanced the solitude of the road. I’m grateful, content, and ready to rest.

Thanks for checking in. See you tomorrow. Andrea